Ok I need opinions. I got an 8.25 from my dad basically for free. My 95 ZJ has the D44a. I have heard endless debate over the D44a being weak and a POS. Honestly it just kinda makes me nervous. Now obviously there would be some work involved in putting the 8.25 in since its out of an XJ. The 8.25 is a 29 spline. Here are my questions/concerns.

How do they compare when it comes to strength?
Can I go to drums that are on the 8.25 without any problems?
Is it worth the time and effort to use the 8.25?
OR..
Should I just sell the 8.25 and truss my D44a?
And if so, how much could I get for it?

Any help/info would be great. Thanks in advance

 

what size tire? are you going to gear/lock it?

 

For now I'm going to be running my 32s on stock gears. Eventually (when I get rich) the plan is to go to 35s+ and 4.56s or 4.88s. And yes one day lock it up. This is a SLOW project lol.

 

the dana 44 from the XJ is stronger then the XJ C8.25, but the 8.25 is plenty strong for 35" tires and a locker. it just has less aftermarket support. the D44 out of the grand cherokee's is a crap shoot cause of the alunumum center section. it is strong enough for stock, but when you start going locker and abuse, then it just wont hold up. the pumpkin will flex and you will blow ring gears apart like it is a sport. if you can weld then it is better off with the C8.25, IMO anyway.

 

Awesome. I can weld like there is no tomorrow so no worries there. I just realized I probably should have stuck this in the ZJ section. OOPS. Do you know if there would be any issue in going to the drum brakes since there are disc on my 44a currently?

 

moved to grand cherokee tech.

but drum brakes will be fine, just need to get the right proportioning valve from an XJ

 

Thanks... sry bout that. Im not used to having a grand. So the proportioning valve can come out of any XJ with an 8.25 correct? Also, is the front end of an XJ a direct fit to a ZJ? I would think so but I want to be sure. I know a guy with a high pinion for cheap and mines a low pinion.

 

yup high pinion is direct bolt in, and any XJ will do

 

You could swap in disc brakes from a Liberty if I am not mistaken, onto the 8.25

 

I really dont mind drums in the rear. I just wasnt sure about the proportioning valve.

 

Wait, ANY XJ? Cause I have an 85 XJ that Im scrapping Could I use the proportioning valve off of that?

 

Yes any xj that has drums in the rear. But seeing as you have a zj with ABS you should look for a proportioning valve from a 93 or 94 zj with drums. Personally I have a guy in my group that wheels with a 29spline 8.25 on 35's with a Detroit and I have never seen him have a problem. My best friend has a d44a and I trussed it for him and then Lincoln locked it and he beats the living dog**** out of it with no problems. Its really up to you but if your gonna go through the axle swap process you might as well do it right the first time. Swap in a 8.8 or 9"

 

Good point. The other question is, if I were to clean the 8.25 up and sell it. what could I get for it?